I saw a few videos on Wednesday of some Houston Texans in town for voluntary workouts, on the practice field at the Methodist Training Center, with no helmets and no pads, doing simple things like handoffs and uncontested screen passes. I will admit, it excited me!
Perhaps this is where the Rockets’ playoff flameout and the Astros’ swirling, rancid toilet of a season have put us, in a spot where C.J. Stroud handing a ball to David Montgomery gives us a tingly feeling in our nether regions. Whatever the case, I’m excited for guys being back on the grass. The rookies are in town this weekend for their first work as Houston Texans, so we get another step closer to the start of a highly anticipated season.
That brings us to the team’s roster, which is largely filled out, but we know from experience that if Nick Caserio can find a better option on the street than the ones he has in house, at any position, he will pull the trigger.
The Texans actually have a handful of familiar faces they could call on, if they so choose. Right now, there are several free agents who played for the Texans last season, in 2025. A few of them were Texans even longer than that. I’ve got the list below of the seven most prominent 2025 Texans still on the free agents market. Let’s see what the odds are on signing any of these dudes. Here we go:
DENICO AUTRY, DE
Autry was signed to a two-year, $20 million deal before the 2024 season. His first impression as a Texan wasn’t great, as he was suspended for six games for failing a PED test before the 2024 season. Ultimately, Autry played 22 games in two seasons, and was productive when he played, including on special teams blocking kicks. Reportedly, Autry wasn’t crazy about his role with the team, so he may go elsewhere.
AUTRY RE-SIGN PROBABILITY: 15 percent
DEREK BARNETT, DE
Barnett was picked up off the waiver wire during the 2023 season, and has been a nice addition, signing one year deals before both 2024 and 2025. Barnett would like to be back with the Texans, and with the lack of activity at defensive end behind Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, Barnett could be someone the Texans bring back closer to training camp. Barnett had five sacks in each of the last two seasons, and two touchdowns in 2024.
BARNETT RE-SIGN PROBABILITY: 45 percent
BRAXTON BERRIOS, WR
Berrios was probably better known, during his time in Houston, as the boyfriend of social media influencer Alix Earle. Berrios spent most o his only season as a Texan injured or as a healthy scratch on game day. With the kick returner role being filled by Jaylin Noel, there’s really nothing here for Berrios.
BERRIOS RE-SIGN PROBABILITY: 2.6 percent
HARRISON BRYANT, TE
Bryant was brought in last season after a slew of injuries at the tight end position, including 2023 playoff hero Brevin Jordan’s second torn ACL in two seasons, during training camp. Bryant was kind of a big nothing for the Texans, as he wasn’t a great blocker, and he managed just two receptions for seven yards.
BRYANT RE-SIGN PROBABILITY: 1.5 percent
NICK CHUBB, RB
Chubb is a former All Pro whose superhero powers were zapped by knee and foot injuries in 2023 and 2024. The Texans, unfortunately, signed the Clark Kent version of Chubb, as he totaled just 506 yards rushing and 4.1 yards per carry, after averaging over five yards per carry for most of his career. Chubb is definitely a good leader to have in the building, but there probably aren’t many carries available for him.
CHUBB RE-SIGN PROBABILITY: 10 percent
FOLEY FATUKASI, DT
Fatukasi has been a Texan the last two seasons, but has only played in 15 games, including just four in 2025. I think Fatukasi is probably too injury prone to rely upon, but the Texans might bring Fatukasi back if he can be had for a cheap price.
FATUKASI RE-SIGN PROBABILITY: 20 percent
DARE OGUNBOWALE, RB
Ogunbowale has been an NFL survivor, dating back to 2017 when he was in Texans’ training camp as street free agent. He’s carved out a nice career for himself, as a special teams captain, occasional running back, and “break glass in case of emergency” kicker. Ogunbowale was on the team last season on a veteran minimum type deal, and I don’t think it’s out of the question that they call him again.
OGUNBOWALE RE-SIGN PROBABILITY: 40 percent
